Systems and methods for synchronizing a device clock in wound monitoring and/or treatment systems

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of synchronizing the device clock in wound monitoring and/or therapy systems are disclosed. In some cases, a wound monitoring and/or therapy device can maintain a device clock, which can be set to a network time obtained from a network or internal time associated with a time set during configuration of the device. The device can selectively set the device clock to the network time in response to obtaining the network time and determining that the device clock is set to the internal time. In some cases, a remote computing device can receive a record transmitted by a wound monitoring and/or treatment device. The record can include a first set of operational parameters associated with monitoring and/or provision of treatment by the device and a first timestamp indicating a time of obtaining at least some operational parameters. The remote computing device can synchronize the first timestamp with network time.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, andmethods for monitoring and/or treating a wound with, for example withreduced pressure therapy or topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy. Inparticular, but without limitation, embodiments disclosed herein relateto the synchronization of device clock.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Many different types of wound dressings are known for aiding in thehealing process of a human or animal. These different types of wounddressings include many different types of materials and layers, forexample, gauze, pads, foam pads or multi-layer wound dressings. Topicalnegative pressure (TNP) therapy, sometimes referred to as vacuumassisted closure, negative pressure wound therapy, or reduced pressurewound therapy, is widely recognized as a beneficial mechanism forimproving the healing rate of a wound. Such therapy is applicable to abroad range of wounds such as incisional wounds, open wounds, andabdominal wounds or the like. TNP therapy assists in the closure andhealing of wounds by reducing tissue edema, encouraging blood flow,stimulating the formation of granulation tissue, removing excessexudates and may reduce bacterial load. Thus, reducing infection to thewound. Furthermore, TNP therapy permits less outside disturbance of thewound and promotes more rapid healing.

SUMMARY

In some cases, a wound monitoring and/or treatment device includes acommunications controller configured to receive data from and transmitdata to a remote computing device over a network and a centralcontroller configured to keep a device clock associated with operationof the device, wherein the device clock is set to one of network timeobtained by the communications controller from the network or internaltime associated with a time set during configuration of the device, and,in response to the communications controller obtaining the network timeand a determination that the device clock is set to the internal time,selectively set the device clock to the network time.

The device of the preceding paragraph and/or any of the devicesdisclosed herein can include one or more of the following features. Thecentral controller can be configured to set the device clock to thenetwork time in response to a determination that a deviation between theinternal time and the network time satisfies a threshold. The thresholdcan be approximately 10 minutes. The communications controller can beconfigured to wirelessly receive data from and transmit data to theremote computing device. The network can include one of a cellularnetwork or a global positioning system (GPS) network. The centralcontroller can be further configured to periodically increment thedevice clock. The device can include a negative pressure sourceconfigured to provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path connectingthe negative pressure source to a wound covered by a wound dressing andthe central controller can be further configured to cause the negativepressure source to provide negative pressure to the wound via the fluidflow path. The central controller can be further configured to generatea record including one or more operational parameters associated withprovision of negative pressure to the wound and a current value of thedevice clock and cause the communications controller to transmit therecord over the network to the remote computing device.

In some cases, a method of operating the device of any of the precedingparagraphs and/or any of the devices disclosed herein is provided.

In some cases, a computing system for monitoring and/or tracking aplurality of wound monitoring and/or treatment devices includes anetwork interface configured to be connected to a network and tocommunicate with a wound monitoring and/or treatment device over thenetwork, a memory configured to store data received from the woundmonitoring and/or treatment device over the network, and a processorconfigured to receive from the network interface a record transmitted bythe wound monitoring and/or treatment device over the network, therecord including a first set of operational parameters associated withmonitoring and/or provision of treatment by the wound monitoring and/ortreatment device and a first timestamp indicating a time of obtaining atleast some operational parameters from the first set of operationalparameters and, in response to a determination that the first timestampdoes not include network time, synchronize the first timestamp with thenetwork time.

The system of the preceding paragraph and/or any of the systemsdisclosed herein can include one or more of the following features. Theprocessor can be further configured to determine a time offset betweenan internal clock of the wound monitoring and/or treatment device andthe network time and apply the offset to the first timestamp tosynchronize the first timestamp with the network time. The firsttimestamp can include a time of the internal clock of the woundmonitoring and/or treatment device indicating when the at least someoperational parameters were obtained and the record can further includea second timestamp indicating a time of the internal clock of the woundmonitoring and/or treatment device of when network time was acquired bythe wound monitoring and/or treatment device and the correspondingnetwork time value. The processor can be further configured to comparethe internal clock of the second timestamp with the correspondingnetwork time value to determine the time offset. The processor can befurther configured to insert synchronized first timestamp into therecord.

The system of any of the preceding paragraphs and/or any of the systemsdisclosed herein can include one or more of the following features. Therecord can further include a second set of operational parametersassociated with monitoring and/or provision of treatment by the woundmonitoring and/or treatment device and a timestamp indicating a time ofobtaining at least some operational parameters from the second set ofoperational parameters, the first timestamp and the timestamp associatedwith the second set of operational parameters being recorded atdifferent times, and the processor can be further configured to, inresponse to a determination that the timestamp associated with thesecond set of operational parameters includes network time, notsynchronize the timestamp associated with the second set of operationalparameters. The network can include one of a cellular network or aglobal positioning system (GPS) network. The wound monitoring and/ortreatment device can include a negative pressure wound therapy device.

In some cases, a method of operating the system of any of the precedingparagraphs and/or any of the systems disclosed herein is provided.

In some cases, a method of operating a wound monitoring and/or treatmentdevice includes, by a controller of the wound monitoring and/ortreatment device, maintaining a device clock associated with operationof the device, wherein the device clock is set to one of network timeobtained from a network or internal time associated with a time setduring configuration of the device and, in response to obtaining thenetwork time and determining that the device clock is set to theinternal time, selectively setting the device clock to the network time.

The method of any of the preceding paragraphs and/or any of the methodsdisclosed herein can include one or more of the following features.Setting the device clock to the network time can be performed inresponse to a determination that a deviation between the internal timeand the network time satisfies a threshold. The threshold can beapproximately 10 minutes. The method can further include wirelesslyreceiving data from and transmitting data to a remote computing device.A network can include one of a cellular network or a global positioningsystem (GPS) network. The method can further include periodicallyincrementing the device clock. The device can include a negativepressure source configured to provide negative pressure via a fluid flowpath connecting the negative pressure source to a wound covered by awound dressing and the method can further include, by the controller,causing the negative pressure source to provide negative pressure to thewound via the fluid flow path. The method can further include, by thecontroller, generating a record including one or more operationalparameters associated with provision of negative pressure to the woundand a current value of the device clock and causing transmission of therecord over the network to a remote computing device.

In some cases, a method of operating a computing system for monitoringand/or tracking a plurality of wound monitoring and/or treatment devicesincludes, by a processor of the computing system, receiving over anetwork a record transmitted by a wound monitoring and/or treatmentdevice, the record including a first set of operational parametersassociated with monitoring and/or provision of treatment by the woundmonitoring and/or treatment device and a first timestamp indicating atime of obtaining at least some operational parameters from the firstset of operational parameters and, in response to determining that thefirst timestamp does not include network time, synchronizing the firsttimestamp with the network time.

The method of any of the preceding paragraphs and/or any of the methodsdisclosed herein can include one or more of the following features. Themethod can further include, the processor, determining a time offsetbetween an internal clock of the wound monitoring and/or treatmentdevice and the network time and applying the offset to the firsttimestamp to synchronize the first timestamp with the network time. Thefirst timestamp can include a time of the internal clock of the woundmonitoring and/or treatment device indicating when the at least someoperational parameters were obtained and the record can further includea second timestamp indicating a time of the internal clock of the woundmonitoring and/or treatment device of when network time was acquired bythe wound monitoring and/or treatment device and the correspondingnetwork time value. The method can further include, by the processor,comparing the internal clock of the second timestamp with thecorresponding network time value to determine the time offset. Themethod can further include, by the processor, inserting synchronizedfirst timestamp into the record.

The method of any of the preceding paragraphs and/or any of the methodsdisclosed herein can include one or more of the following features. Therecord can further include a second set of operational parametersassociated with monitoring and/or provision of treatment by the woundmonitoring and/or treatment device and a timestamp indicating a time ofobtaining at least some operational parameters from the second set ofoperational parameters, the first timestamp and the timestamp associatedwith the second set of operational parameters being recorded atdifferent times. The method can further include, by the processor, inresponse to determining that the timestamp associated with the secondset of operational parameters includes network time, not synchronizingthe timestamp associated with the second set of operational parameters.The network can include one of a cellular network or a globalpositioning system (GPS) network. The wound monitoring and/or treatmentdevice can include a negative pressure wound therapy device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a reduced pressure wound therapy system according tosome embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrate a pump assembly and canister according to someembodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of a reduced pressure wound therapysystem according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of a reduced pressure wound therapysystem connected over a network according to some embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a process of updating device clock of a negativepressure wound therapy device according to some embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process of updating timestamps according to someembodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods of monitoringand/or treating a wound. It will be appreciated that throughout thisspecification reference is made to a wound. It is to be understood thatthe term wound is to be broadly construed and encompasses open andclosed wounds in which skin is torn, cut or punctured or where traumacauses a contusion, or any other superficial or other conditions orimperfections on the skin of a patient or otherwise that benefit fromreduced pressure treatment. A wound is thus broadly defined as anydamaged or potentially damaged region of tissue where fluid may or maynot be produced. Examples of such wounds include, but are not limitedto, abdominal wounds or other large or incisional wounds, either as aresult of surgery, trauma, sterniotomies, fasciotomies, or otherconditions, dehisced wounds, acute wounds, chronic wounds, subacute anddehisced wounds, traumatic wounds, flaps and skin grafts, lacerations,abrasions, contusions, burns, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, stoma,surgical wounds, trauma and venous ulcers or the like.

Embodiments of systems and methods disclosed herein can be used withtopical negative pressure (“TNP”) or reduced pressure therapy systems.Briefly, negative pressure wound therapy assists in the closure andhealing of many forms of “hard to heal” wounds by reducing tissueoedema, encouraging blood flow and granular tissue formation, and/orremoving excess exudate and can reduce bacterial load (and thusinfection risk). In addition, the therapy allows for less disturbance ofa wound leading to more rapid healing. TNP therapy systems can alsoassist in the healing of surgically closed wounds by removing fluid. Insome embodiments, TNP therapy helps to stabilize the tissue in theapposed position of closure. A further beneficial use of TNP therapy canbe found in grafts and flaps where removal of excess fluid is importantand close proximity of the graft to tissue is required in order toensure tissue viability.

As is used herein, reduced or negative pressure levels, such as −X mmHg,represent pressure levels relative to normal ambient atmosphericpressure, which can correspond to 760 mmHg (or 1 atm, 29.93 in Hg,101.325 kPa, 14.696 psi, etc.). Accordingly, a negative pressure valueof −X mmHg reflects pressure that is X mmHg below 760 mmHg or, in otherwords, a pressure of (760−X) mmHg. In addition, negative pressure thatis “less” or “smaller” than X mmHg corresponds to pressure that iscloser to atmospheric pressure (for example, —40 mmHg is less than −60mmHg). Negative pressure that is “more” or “greater” than −X mmHgcorresponds to pressure that is further from atmospheric pressure (forexample, −80 mmHg is more than −60 mmHg). In some embodiments, localambient atmospheric pressure is used as a reference point, and suchlocal atmospheric pressure may not necessarily be, for example, 760mmHg.

Systems and methods disclosed herein can be used with other types oftreatment in addition to or instead of reduced pressure therapy, such asirrigation, ultrasound, heat and/or cold, neuro stimulation, or thelike. In some cases, disclosed systems and methods can be used for woundmonitoring without application of additional therapy. Systems andmethods disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with a dressing,including with compression dressing, reduced pressure dressing, or thelike.

A healthcare provider, such as a clinician, nurse, or the like, canprovide a TNP prescription specifying, for example, the pressure leveland/or time of application. However, the healing process is differentfor each patient and the prescription may affect the healing process ina way the clinician or healthcare provider did not expect at the time ofdevising the prescription. A healthcare provider may try to adjust theprescription as the wound heals (or does not heal), but such process mayrequire various appointments that can be time consuming and repetitive.Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, devices, and/or methods ofefficiently adjusting TNP prescriptions and delivering effective TNPtherapy.

Negative Pressure System

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a negative or reduced pressure woundtreatment (or TNP) system 100 comprising a wound filler 130 placedinside a wound cavity 110, the wound cavity sealed by a wound cover 120.The wound filler 130 in combination with the wound cover 120 can bereferred to as wound dressing. A single or multi lumen tube or conduit140 is connected the wound cover 120 with a pump assembly 150 configuredto supply reduced pressure. The wound cover 120 can be in fluidiccommunication with the wound cavity 110. In any of the systemembodiments disclosed herein, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG.1, a negative pressure wound therapy device (sometimes as a whole orpartially referred to as a “pump assembly”) can be a canisterless(meaning that exudate is collected in the wound dressing or istransferred via tube 140 for collection to another location). However,any of the pump assembly embodiments disclosed herein can be configuredto include or support a canister. Additionally, in any of the systemembodiments disclosed herein, any of the pump assembly embodiments canbe mounted to or supported by the dressing, or adjacent to the dressing.The wound filler 130 can be any suitable type, such as hydrophilic orhydrophobic foam, gauze, inflatable bag, and so on. The wound filler 130can be conformable to the wound cavity 110 such that it substantiallyfills the cavity. The wound cover 120 can provide a substantially fluidimpermeable seal over the wound cavity 110. In some embodiments, thewound cover 120 has a top side and a bottom side, and the bottom sideadhesively (or in any other suitable manner) seals with wound cavity110. The conduit 140 or any other conduit disclosed herein can be formedfrom polyurethane, PVC, nylon, polyethylene, silicone, or any othersuitable material.

Some embodiments of the wound cover 120 can have a port (not shown)configured to receive an end of the conduit 140. In some embodiments,the conduit 140 can otherwise pass through and/or under the wound cover120 to supply reduced pressure to the wound cavity 110 so as to maintaina desired level of reduced pressure in the wound cavity. The conduit 140can be any suitable article configured to provide at least asubstantially sealed fluid flow pathway or path between the pumpassembly 150 and the wound cover 120, so as to supply the reducedpressure provided by the pump assembly 150 to wound cavity 110.

The wound cover 120 and the wound filler 130 can be provided as a singlearticle or an integrated single unit. In some embodiments, no woundfiller is provided and the wound cover by itself may be considered thewound dressing. The wound dressing may then be connected, via theconduit 140, to a source of negative pressure, such as the pump assembly150. In some embodiments, though not required, the pump assembly 150 canbe miniaturized and portable, although larger conventional pumps suchcan also be used.

The wound cover 120 can be located over a wound site to be treated. Thewound cover 120 can form a substantially sealed cavity or enclosure overthe wound site. In some embodiments, the wound cover 120 can beconfigured to have a film having a high water vapour permeability toenable the evaporation of surplus fluid, and can have a superabsorbingmaterial contained therein to safely absorb wound exudate. It will beappreciated that throughout this specification reference is made to awound. In this sense it is to be understood that the term wound is to bebroadly construed and encompasses open and closed wounds in which skinis torn, cut or punctured or where trauma causes a contusion, or anyother surficial or other conditions or imperfections on the skin of apatient or otherwise that benefit from reduced pressure treatment. Awound is thus broadly defined as any damaged region of tissue wherefluid may or may not be produced. Examples of such wounds include, butare not limited to, acute wounds, chronic wounds, surgical incisions andother incisions, subacute and dehisced wounds, traumatic wounds, flapsand skin grafts, lacerations, abrasions, contusions, burns, diabeticulcers, pressure ulcers, stoma, surgical wounds, trauma and venousulcers or the like. In some embodiments, the components of the TNPsystem described herein can be particularly suited for incisional woundsthat exude a small amount of wound exudate.

Some embodiments of the system are designed to operate without the useof an exudate canister. Some embodiments can be configured to support anexudate canister. In some embodiments, configuring the pump assembly 150and tubing 140 so that the tubing 140 can be quickly and easily removedfrom the pump assembly 150 can facilitate or improve the process ofdressing or pump changes, if necessary. Any of the pump embodimentsdisclosed herein can be configured to have any suitable connectionbetween the tubing and the pump.

In some embodiments, the pump assembly 150 can be configured to delivernegative pressure of approximately −80 mmHg, or between about −20 mmHgand −200 mmHg. Note that these pressures are relative to normal ambientatmospheric pressure thus, −200 mmHg would be about 560 mmHg inpractical terms. In some embodiments, the pressure range can be betweenabout −40 mmHg and −150 mmHg. Alternatively, a pressure range of up to−75 mmHg, up to −80 mmHg or over −80 mmHg can be used. Also in otherembodiments a pressure range of below −75 mmHg can be used.Alternatively, a pressure range of over approximately −100 mmHg, or even150 mmHg, can be supplied by the pump assembly 150.

In some embodiments, the pump assembly 150 is configured to providecontinuous or intermittent negative pressure therapy. Continuous therapycan be delivered at above −25 mmHg, −25 mmHg, −40 mmHg, −50 mmHg, −60mmHg, −70 mmHg, −80 mmHg, −90 mmHg, −100 mmHg, −120 mmHg, −140 mmHg,−160 mmHg, −180 mmHg, −200 mmHg, or below −200 mmHg. Intermittenttherapy can be delivered between low and high negative pressure setpoints. Low set point can be set at above 0 mmHg, 0 mmHg, −25 mmHg, −40mmHg, −50 mmHg, −60 mmHg, −70 mmHg, −80 mmHg, −90 mmHg, −100 mmHg, −120mmHg, −140 mmHg, −160 mmHg, −180 mmHg, or below −180 mmHg. High setpoint can be set at above 25 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 50 mmHg, 60 mmHg, 70 mmHg,80 mmHg, 90 mmHg, 100 mmHg, 120 mmHg, 140 mmHg, 160 mmHg, 180 mmHg, 200mmHg, or below −200 mmHg. During intermittent therapy, negative pressureat low set point can be delivered for a first time duration, and uponexpiration of the first time duration, negative pressure at high setpoint can be delivered for a second time duration. Upon expiration ofthe second time duration, negative pressure at low set point can bedelivered. The first and second time durations can be same or differentvalues. The first and second durations can be selected from thefollowing range: less than 2 minutes, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 6minutes, 8 minutes, 10 minutes, or greater than 10 minutes. In someembodiments, switching between low and high set points and vice versacan be performed according to a step waveform, square waveform,sinusoidal waveform, and the like.

In operation, the wound filler 130 is inserted into the wound cavity 110and wound cover 120 is placed so as to seal the wound cavity 110. Thepump assembly 150 provides a source of a negative pressure to the woundcover 120, which is transmitted to the wound cavity 110 via the woundfiller 130. Fluid (such as, wound exudate) is drawn through the conduit140, and can be stored in a canister. In some embodiments, fluid isabsorbed by the wound filler 130 or one or more absorbent layers (notshown).

Wound dressings that may be utilized with the pump assembly and otherembodiments of the present application include Renasys-F, Renasys-G,Renasys AB, and Pico Dressings available from Smith & Nephew. Furtherdescription of such wound dressings and other components of a negativepressure wound therapy system that may be used with the pump assemblyand other embodiments of the present application are found in U.S.Patent Publication Nos. 2012/0116334, 2011/0213287, 2011/0282309,2012/0136325 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,084,845, each of which is incorporatedby reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, other suitable wounddressings can be utilized.

Pump Assembly and Canister

FIG. 2 illustrates a negative pressure wound therapy device 200including a pump assembly 230 and canister 220 according to someembodiments. As is illustrated, the pump assembly 230 and the canisterare connected, thereby forming the device 200. The pump assembly 230comprises one or more indicators, such as visual indicator 202configured to indicate alarms and visual indicator 204 configured toindicate status of the TNP system. The indicators 202 and 204 can beconfigured to alert a user to a variety of operating and/or failureconditions of the system, including alerting the user to normal orproper operating conditions, pump failure, power supplied to the pump orpower failure, detection of a leak within the wound cover or flowpathway, suction blockage, or any other similar or suitable conditionsor combinations thereof. In some embodiments, any one or more of theindicators 202 and 204 can be configured to alert a user that thecurrent operation is compliant or non-compliant with a therapyprescription, which can be stored in a remote computing device(sometimes referred to a “remote computing system” or “remotecomputer”). The remote computing device can be any one or more computingdevices with at least one processor and/or database, such as one or morecloud servers (sometimes referred to as “the cloud”). In someembodiments, the pump assembly 230 can comprise additional indicators.In some embodiments, a single indicator is used. In other embodiments,multiple indicators are used. Any one or more suitable indicators can beused such as visual, audio, tactile indicator, and so on. The indicator202 can be configured to signal alarm conditions, such as canister full,power low, conduit 140 disconnected, seal broken in the wound seal 120,and so on. The indicator 202 can be configured to display red flashinglight to draw user's attention. The indicator 204 can be configured tosignal status of the TNP system, such as therapy delivery is ok, leakdetected, and so on. The indicator 204 can be configured to display oneor more different colors of light, such as green, yellow, etc. Forexample, green light can be emitted when the TNP system is operatingproperly and yellow light can be emitted to indicate a warning.

The pump assembly 230 comprises a display or screen 206 mounted in arecess formed in a case of the pump assembly. In some embodiments, thedisplay 206 can be a touch screen display. In some embodiments, thedisplay 206 can support playback of audiovisual (AV) content, such asinstructional videos. As explained below, the display 206 can beconfigured to render a number of screens or graphical user interfaces(GUIs) for configuring, controlling, and monitoring the operation of theTNP system. The pump assembly 230 comprises a gripping portion formed inthe case of the pump assembly. The gripping portion can be configured toassist the user to hold the pump assembly 230, such as during removal ofthe canister 220. The pump assembly 230 includes one or more strapmounts 226 for connecting a carry strap to the pump assembly 230 or forattaching a cradle. In some embodiments, the canister 220 can bereplaced with another canister, such as when the canister 220 has beenfilled with fluid.

The pump assembly 230 comprises one or more keys or buttons 212configured to allow the user to operate and monitor the operation of theTNP system. As is illustrated, in some embodiments, there can be aplurality of buttons. One button can be configured as a power button toturn on/off the pump assembly 230. Another button can be configured as aplay/pause button for the delivery of negative pressure therapy. Forexample, pressing the button can cause therapy to start, and pressingthe button afterward can cause therapy to pause or end. A button can beconfigured to lock the display 206 and/or the buttons 212. For instance,a button can be pressed so that the user does not unintentionally alterthe delivery of the therapy. In some embodiments, multiple key pressesand/or sequences of key presses can be used to operate the pump assembly230.

The canister 220 is configured to hold fluid (such as, exudate) removedfrom the wound cavity 110. The canister 220 includes one or more latchesfor attaching the canister to the pump assembly 230. The exterior of thecanister 220 can formed from frosted plastic so that the canister issubstantially opaque and the contents of the canister and substantiallyhidden from plain view. The canister 220 includes a substantiallytransparent window, which can also include graduations of volume. Forexample, the illustrated 300 mL canister 220 includes graduations of 50mL, 100 mL, 150 mL, 200 mL, 250 mL, and 300 mL. Other embodiments of thecanister can hold different volume of fluid and can include differentgraduation scale. The canister 220 comprises a tubing channel forconnecting to the conduit 140.

In some embodiments, the pump assembly 230 comprises a power jack forcharging and recharging a primary power source, such as an internalbattery, of the pump assembly. In some embodiments, the power jack is adirect current (DC) jack. In some embodiments, the pump assembly cancomprise a disposable primary power source, such as batteries, so thatno power jack is needed. In some embodiments, the pump assembly 230comprises two or more power sources or supplies. In some embodiments,one of the power supplies (primary) can deliver power to operate andcontrol the pump. In some embodiments, a secondary power source candeliver power to one or more of the user interface, alert system, and/orcommunication system for uploading usage data to the cloud.

Control System

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of a control system 300 which can beemployed in any of the embodiments of wound monitoring and/or treatmentsystems described herein. Electrical components can operate to acceptuser input, provide output to the user, operate the negative pressuresource of a TNP system, provide network connectivity, and so on. It maybe advantageous to utilize multiple processors in order to allocate orassign various tasks to different processors. In some cases, a firstprocessor can be responsible for user activity and a second processorcan be responsible for controlling another device, such as a pump 390.This way, the activity of controlling the other device, such as the pump390, which may necessitate a higher level of responsiveness(corresponding to higher risk level), can be offloaded to a dedicatedprocessor and, thereby, will not be interrupted by user interface tasks,which may take longer to complete because of interactions with the user.

Input and output to the other device, such as a pump 390, one or moresensors (for example, one or more pressure sensors configured to monitorpressure in one or more locations of the fluid flow path), or the like,can be controlled by an input/output (I/O) module 320. For example, theI/O module can receive data from one or more sensors through one or moreports, such as serial (for example, I2C), parallel, hybrid ports, andthe like. A processor or controller 310 also receives data from andprovides data to one or more expansion modules 360, such as one or moreUSB ports, SD ports, Compact Disc (CD) drives, DVD drives, FireWireports, Thunderbolt ports, PCI Express ports, and the like. The processor310, along with other controllers or processors, stores data in one ormore memory modules 350, which can be internal and/or external to theprocessor 310. Any suitable type of memory can be used, includingvolatile and/or non-volatile memory, such as RAM, ROM, magnetic memory,solid-state memory, Magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM), andthe like.

In some cases, the processor 310 can be a general purpose controller,such as a low-power processor. In other cases, the processor 310 can bean application specific processor. In some cases, the processor 310 canbe configured as a “central” processor in the electronic architecture ofthe system 300, and the processor 310 can coordinate the activity ofother processors, such as a pump control processor 370, communicationsprocessor 330, and one or more additional processors 380. The processor310 can run a suitable operating system, such as a Linux, Windows CE,VxWorks, etc.

The pump control processor 370 (if present) can be configured to controlthe operation of a negative pressure pump 390. The pump 390 can be asuitable pump, such as a diaphragm pump, peristaltic pump, rotary pump,rotary vane pump, scroll pump, screw pump, liquid ring pump, diaphragmpump operated by a piezoelectric transducer, voice coil pump, and thelike. In some cases, the pump control processor 370 can measure pressurein a fluid flow path, using data received from one or more pressuresensors, calculate the rate of fluid flow, and control the pump. In somecases, the pump control processor 370 controls the pump motor so that adesired level of negative pressure in achieved in the wound cavity 110.The desired level of negative pressure can be pressure set or selectedby the user. The pump control processor 370 can control the pump (forexample, pump motor) using pulse-width modulation (PWM). A controlsignal for driving the pump can be a 0-100% duty cycle PWM signal. Thepump control processor 370 can perform flow rate calculations and detectalarms. The pump control processor 370 can communicate information tothe processor 310. The pump control processor 370 can include internalmemory and/or can utilize memory 350. The pump control processor 370 canbe a low-power processor.

A communications processor 330 can be configured to provide wired and/orwireless connectivity. The communications processor 330 can utilize oneor more antennas and/or transceivers 340 for sending and receiving data.In some cases, the communications processor 330 can provide or supportone or more of the following types of connections: Global PositioningSystem (GPS) connectivity, cellular connectivity (for example, 2G, 3G,LTE, 4G, 5G, or the like), WiFi connectivity, Zigbee connectivity,Z-Wave connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, Radio Data System (RDS)connectivity, near field communication (NFC) connectivity, infrared (IR)connectivity, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, Internetconnectivity, and the like. Connectivity can be used for variousactivities, such as pump assembly location tracking, asset tracking,compliance monitoring, remote selection, uploading of logs, alarms, andother operational data, and adjustment of therapy settings, upgrading ofsoftware and/or firmware, and the like. In some cases, thecommunications processor 330 can provide dual GPS/cellularfunctionality. Cellular functionality can, for example, be 3G, 4G, 5G orthe like functionality. In such cases, if the GPS module is not able toestablish satellite connection due to various factors includingatmospheric conditions, building or terrain interference, satellitegeometry, and so on, the device location can be determined using thecellular network connection, such as by using cell identification,triangulation, forward link timing, and the like. In some cases, thesystem 300 can include a SIM card, and SIM-based positional informationcan be obtained. The communications processor 330 can communicateinformation to the processor 310. The communications processor 330 caninclude internal memory and/or can utilize memory 350. Thecommunications processor 330 can be a low-power processor.

In some cases, the system 300 can store data illustrated in Table 1.This data can be stored, for example, in memory 350. This data caninclude patient data collected by one or more sensors. In various cases,different or additional data can be stored by system 300. In some cases,location information can be acquired by GPS or any other suitablemethod, such as cellular triangulation, cell identification forward linktiming, and the like.

TABLE 1 Example Data Stored Category Item Type Source GPS LocationLatitude, Longitude, Acquired from GPS Altitude Timestamp LocationAcquired Timestamp Therapy Total time therapy ON since device activationMinutes Calculated on device Total time therapy ON since lastmaintenance Minutes based on user control reset Device Placement;accumulated daily hours Minutes starting from first Therapy ON afterlast maintenance reset, stopping at last Therapy OFF before returningfor Maintenance and maintenance reset. (Includes both THERAPY ON andTHERAPY OFF hours) Device Serial Number Alphanumeric Set by Pump UtilityController Firmware Version Alphanumeric Unique version identifier, hardcoded in firmware Events Device Event Log (See Table 3 for example) Listof Events (See Table 2) Generated in response to various user actionsand detected events

The system 300 can track and log therapy and other operational data.Such data can be stored, for example, in the memory 350. In some cases,the system 300 can store log data illustrated in Table 2. Table 3illustrates an example event log according to some embodiments. One ormore such event logs can be stored by the system 300. As is illustrated,the event log can include timestamps indicating the time of occurrenceof the corresponding events. In some cases, additional and/oralternative data can be logged.

TABLE 2 Example Data Tracked Category ID Type Data Content Notes Device0 Startup (Created DB) First time, out-of-the-box. 1 Startup (ResumedDB) Subsequent power-ups. 2 Startup (Corrupt DB, Recreated) Corruptconfiguration was detected. The database was deleted and recreated, andnext run was in out-of-the-box mode. 3 Shutdown (Signaled) Normalshutdown, handled/registered by software. 4 Shutdown (Inferred)Unexpected shutdown; on next power-up, last active time registered asshutdown event. Therapy 5 Start Delivery (Continuous) modes, setpointsModes are Y-connect status, and intensity. 6 Start Delivery(Intermittent) modes, setpoints Modes are Y-connect status, andintensity. 7 Stop Delivery 8 Set Therapy Pressure Setpoint mmHg This andother therapy adjustment events are only recorded while therapy is beingdelivered. 9 Set Standby Pressure Setpoint mmHg 10 Set IntermittentTherapy Duration setting (30s, 60s, etc) 11 Set Intermittent StandbyDuration setting (30s, 60s, etc) 12 SetMode cont/intermittent 13 SetIntensity low/med/high 14 Set Y Connect yes/no Alarm 15 Over Vacuum highmmHg 16 High Vacuum high deviation mmHg 17 Blocked Full Canister lowairflow lpm 18 High Flow Leak high airflow lpm 19 Low Vacuum low mmHg 20Battery Failure 21 Critical Battery 22 Low Battery 23 InactivityMaintenance 24 Maintenance Reset 25 Reset to Defaults 26 Software/DeviceWarning Warning code Any detected, minor unexpected software behaviorwill be logged as an event 27 Software/Device Fault Fault code Anydetected, severe unexpected software behavior will be logged as an event

TABLE 3 Example Event Log Type Timestamp ID Type Description Data1:23:45 Apr. 2, 2012 (UTC-12) 0 Startup (Created DB) 1:29:23 Apr. 2,2012 (UTC-12) 15 Set Intensity medium 1:29:43 Apr. 2, 2012 (UTC-12) 10Set Therapy Pressure Setpoint 120 mmHg 1:31:02 Apr. 2, 2012 (UTC-12) 7Start Delivery (Continuous) 120 mmHg continuous, medium intensity, no Yconnect 1:44:20 Apr. 2, 2012 (UTC-12) 20 High Flow Leak 4 lpm 1:44:24Apr. 2, 2012 (UTC-12) 9 Stop Delivery

In some cases, using the connectivity provided by the communicationsprocessor 330, the system 300 can upload any of the data stored,maintained, and/or tracked by the system 300 to a remote computingdevice. In some cases, the following information can be uploaded to theremote computing device: event or activity log(s), which includestherapy delivery information, such as therapy duration, alarm log(s),which includes alarm type and time of occurrence; error log, whichincludes internal error information, transmission errors, and the like;therapy duration information, which can be computed hourly, daily, andthe like; total therapy time, which includes therapy duration from firstapplying a particular therapy program or programs; lifetime therapyinformation; device information, such as the serial number, softwareversion, battery level, etc.; device location information; patientinformation; and so on. The system 300 can also download variousoperational data, such as therapy selection and parameters, firmware andsoftware patches and upgrades, and the like. The system 300 can provideInternet browsing functionality using one or more browser programs, mailprograms, application software (for example, apps), etc. Additionalprocessors 380, such as processor for controlling one or more userinterfaces (such as, one or more displays), can be utilized. In somecases, any of the illustrated and/or described components of the system300 can be omitted depending on an embodiment of a wound monitoringand/or treatment system in which the system 300 is used.

In some cases, the system 300 can upload any of the data in a recordencoded according to one or more of Extensible Markup Language (XML)format, YAML Ain′t Markup Language (YAML) format, JavaScript ObjectNotation (JSON) format, or another format for encoding and transmittingdata.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of a reduced pressure wound therapysystem 400. A pump assembly 420 can include a user interface processorfirmware and/or software 422, which can be executed by the userinterface processor 310, pump control processor firmware and/orsoftware, which can be executed by the pump control processor 370,communications processor firmware and/or software 426, which can beexecuted by the communications processor 330, and additionalprocessor(s) firmware and/or software, which can be executed by one ormore additional processors 380. The pump assembly 420 can be connectedto one or more remote computing devices 410, 411, 440 via a network 430.As described herein, network 430 can provide or support one or more ofthe following types of connections: Global Positioning System (GPS)connectivity, cellular connectivity (for example, 2G, 3G, LTE, 4G, 5G,or the like), WiFi connectivity, Zigbee connectivity, Z-Waveconnectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, RDS connectivity, IR connectivity,NFC connectivity, IoT connectivity, Internet connectivity, or the like.In some cases, the pump assembly 420 can be directly connected to one ormore devices 410, 411, 440, which can be a laptop, desktop, tablet,smartphone, server, and the like. A wired or wireless connection can beutilized to connect the one or more devices 410, 411, 440 to the pumpassembly 420. The connection between the one or more devices 410, 411,440 and the pump assembly 420 can be used for various activities, suchas pump assembly location tracking, asset tracking, compliancemonitoring, selection, uploading of logs, alarms, and other operationaldata, and adjustment of therapy settings, upgrading of software and/orfirmware, and the like. The pump assembly 420 and one or more devices410, 411 can communicate with remote computing device 440, which can bea server, via the network 430. The server 440 can include a data storagemodule 442 and a web interface 444 for accessing the server. The server440 can be a cloud server. The server can include one or more processorsor controllers and one or more network interfaces configured tocommunicate data over the network 430.

The connection between the one or more devices 410, 411, 440 and pumpassembly 420 can be utilized to perform one or more of the following:initialization and programming of the pump assembly 420, firmware and/orsoftware upgrades, maintenance and troubleshooting, selecting andadjusting therapy parameters, and the like. The one or more devices 410,411, 440 can execute an application program for communicating the pumpassembly 420.

The pump assembly 420 can upload various data to the server 440 via thenetwork 430. The pump assembly 420 can upload data to one or more remotecomputing devices, such as one or more servers. As explained above,upload data can include activity log(s), alarm log(s), usage data,therapy duration information, total therapy time, lifetime therapyinformation, device information, device location information, patientinformation, etc. In addition, the pump assembly 420 can receive andprocess commands received from the network 430

Further description of negative pressure wound therapy system and itoperation that may be used with any of the embodiments of the presentapplication is found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,737,649, which is incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

Keeping the Device Clock

In some cases, a negative pressure wound therapy device can associatemonitored and/or recorded data with one or more timestamps. For example,as described herein, the event log (such as that illustrated in Table 3)can include timestamps indicating the time of occurrence of thecorresponding events. For these and other purposes, the negativepressure wound therapy device can maintain a device clock. The deviceclock can be initiated when the negative pressure wound therapy deviceis activated or configured and periodically incremented, such as everysecond or the like. In some cases, one or more of the device processors,such as the processor 310 alone or in combination with, for instance,the communications processor 330, can keep the device clock.

The device clock can be synchronized with time known to and used by theother devices in the system (which can be referred to as “common time”),such as by one or more remote computing devices. Synchronization canfacilitate accurate transfer and/or processing of data between thenegative pressure wound therapy device and one or more remote computingdevices. In some cases, network time of the network 430 can be used asthe common time. For instance, the network 430 can be a cellularnetwork, GPS network, or the like, and network time maintained by thenetwork 430 can be used as the common time.

FIG. 5 illustrates a process 500 of updating the device clock of anegative pressure wound therapy device. The process 500 can be executedby any of one or more the device processors, such as the processor 310alone or in combination with, for instance, the communications processor330.

The process 500 can start in block 502 where an internal timer or clockof the device is set during activation or initialization of the device.For example, a user of the device can set the internal clock to aparticular date and/or time. Initialization can be performed when thedevice is first activated (such as turned on), first configured tooperate on a particular patient, or the like. As described below, theinternal clock can be used to set the device clock. The process 500 canupdate the internal clock as illustrated by the transition 504. Suchinternal clock updates can be made periodically, such as by incrementingthe internal clock every second or the like.

In block 506, the process 500 can start the device clock. Initially, thedevice clock can be set to the value of the internal clock. From time totime, the device can attempt to acquire the common time. For example,the communications processor 330 can attempt to acquire network timefrom the network 430. Such network time can be provided via a networkidentity and time zone (NITZ) mechanism, particularly when the network430 is a cellular network. In block 506, the process 500 can also updatethe device clock. Such updates can be performed periodically, such as byincrementing the clock every second or the like.

In block 508, the process 500 can determine if the common time has beenobtained by the device. When the common time has not been obtained,which can be due to loss of network connection, the process 500 cantransition to block 506 where it can set the device clock tothen-current value of the internal clock.

If the common time has been obtained in block 508, the process 500 cantransition to block 510 where it can selectively set the device clock tothe common time. In block 510, the process 500 can determine if adeviation between the device block and the common time satisfies ormeets a threshold, such as 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or thelike. If the process 500 determines that the deviation meets thethreshold, it can transition to block 512 where the process sets thedevice clock to the common time. Otherwise, the process 500 cantransition to block 514 where the device block is not updated. Suchselective synchronization of the device clock with the common time canreduce the number of updates of the device clock when the deviationbetween the device clock and the common time is insignificant.

In some cases, when the common time has been obtained, previouslygenerated timestamps that reflect internal clock time may not beupdated. Instead, the device clock can be selectively synchronized asdescribed herein for generation of future timestamps that reflect thecommon time. In such cases, the device can generate and/or store datawith a mix of timestamps reflecting the internal clock time and thecommon time.

Synchronizing Timestamps in Transmitted Data

As described herein, one or more remote computing devices, such as theserver 440, can receive data from a negative pressure wound therapydevice that includes one or more timestamps. Such one or more timestampscan reflect time of the device clock of the negative pressure woundtherapy device associated with collection and/or recordation of thedata. The one or more timestamps can reflect then-current value of theinternal clock of the device or then-current value of the common time(such as network time). In cases when a timestamp reflects then-currentvalue of the internal clock, a remote computing device may update thetimestamp with a corresponding common time. Such synchronization canadvantageously ensure one or more of correctness or uniformity of howdata received from the negative pressure wound therapy device isprocessed and/or stored (for example, in the storage module 442).

FIG. 6 illustrates a process 600 of updating timestamps. The process 600can be performed by one or more processors of remote computing devices,such as by a processor of the server 440 alone or in combination with anetwork interface of the server 440. The process 600 can start in block602 with receipt of a data record from a negative pressure wound therapydevice. As described herein, the data record can include one or moredata item, such as therapy data, and associated one or more timestamps.

In block 604 the process 600 can determine if a timestamp in the datarecord reflects common time, such as network time. This determinationcan be made, for example, based on a field in the data record indicatingwhether the timestamp reflects the common time or internal clock of thedevice. If the timestamp reflects common time, the process 600 cantransition to block 608, in which no action is taken with respect tosynchronizing the timestamp. If the timestamp does not reflect commontime, the process 600 can transition to block 606 where the timestamp issynchronized with the common time.

In block 606, the process 600 can determine a time offset between thedevice clock (which was set to the internal clock at the time ofgenerating the timestamp analyzed in block 604) and common time. Thisoffset can be applied to the timestamp to synchronize the timestamp tothe common time. In some cases, the timestamp can include a plurality oftimestamps, such as starting and ending timestamps. The offset can beapplied to one or more of the plurality of timestamps. The process 600can insert the adjusted timestamp into the data record.

In some cases, the offset can be determined using a field in the datarecord being processed (or another subsequently received data record)that includes a timestamp indicating when the common time was acquiredby the device. This timestamp can include a value of the internal clockof the device corresponding to when the common time was acquired alongwith the value of the acquired common time. The process 600 candetermine the offset between the internal clock and common time bycomparing these two values. Once the offset has been determined, theprocess 600 can add (or subtract the offset) from the timestamp beingprocessed to synchronize that timestamp with the common time.

As described herein, the data record can include a mix of timestamps,some reflecting the internal clock of the device and some reflecting thecommon time. The process 600 can process such mix of timestamps andsynchronize some of them, while not synchronizing others, as describedherein.

Other Variations

Although some embodiments describe negative pressure wound therapy, thesystems, devices, and/or methods disclosed herein can be applied toother types of therapies usable standalone or in addition to TNPtherapy. Systems, devices, and/or methods disclosed herein can beextended to any medical device, such as any monitoring and/or treatmentdevice. For example, systems, devices, and/or methods disclosed hereincan be used with devices that monitor a wound (such as a pressure ulcermonitoring and/or prevention device, venous ulcer monitoring and/orprevention device, or the like). As another example, systems, devices,and/or methods disclosed herein can be used with devices that provideone or more of ultrasound therapy, oxygen therapy, neurostimulation,microwave therapy, active agents, antibiotics, antimicrobials, or thelike. Such devices can in addition or alternatively provide TNP therapy.In addition, systems, devices, and/or methods disclosed herein can beextended to any electronic device and/or medical device, such as adebridement system, hydrosurgery system (for example, Versajet systemavailable from Smith & Nephew), or the like.

Any of transmission of data described herein can be performed securely.For example, one or more of encryption, https protocol, secure VPNconnection, error checking, confirmation of delivery can be utilized.

Any of the processors described herein can function as a controller. Anyvalue of a threshold, limit, duration, etc. provided herein is notintended to be absolute and, thereby, can be approximate. In addition,any threshold, limit, duration, etc. provided herein can be fixed orvaried either automatically or by a user. Furthermore, as is used hereinrelative terminology such as exceeds, greater than, less than, etc. inrelation to a reference value is intended to also encompass being equalto the reference value. For example, exceeding a reference value that ispositive can encompass being equal to or greater than the referencevalue. In addition, as is used herein relative terminology such asexceeds, greater than, less than, etc. in relation to a reference valueis intended to also encompass an inverse of the disclosed relationship,such as below, less than, greater than, etc. in relations to thereference value.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood tobe applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example describedherein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed inthis specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract anddrawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations whereat least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Theprotection is not restricted to the details of any foregoingembodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of protection. Indeed, the novel methods and systems describedherein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods andsystems described herein may be made. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in theprocesses illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown inthe figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps describedabove may be removed, others may be added. For example, the actual stepsand/or order of steps taken in the disclosed processes may differ fromthose shown in the figure. Depending on the embodiment, certain of thesteps described above may be removed, others may be added. For instance,the various components illustrated in the figures may be implemented assoftware and/or firmware on a processor, controller, ASIC, FPGA, and/ordedicated hardware. Furthermore, the features and attributes of thespecific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different waysto form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope ofthe present disclosure.

User interface screens illustrated and described herein can includeadditional and/or alternative components. These components can includemenus, lists, buttons, text boxes, labels, radio buttons, scroll bars,sliders, checkboxes, combo boxes, status bars, dialog boxes, windows,and the like. User interface screens can include additional and/oralternative information. Components can be arranged, grouped, displayedin any suitable order.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could”,“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orstates. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required forone or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,”“including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are usedinclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additionalelements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or”is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so thatwhen used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or”means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Further, the term“each,” as used herein, in addition to having its ordinary meaning, canmean any subset of a set of elements to which the term “each” isapplied. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and wordsof similar import, when used in this application, refer to thisapplication as a whole and not to any particular portions of thisapplication.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is to be understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z, or a combination thereof. Thus, such conjunctivelanguage is not generally intended to imply that certain embodimentsrequire at least one of X, at least one of Y and at least one of Z toeach be present.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, withinless than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. Asanother example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel”and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristicthat departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees,10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” shouldgenerally be interpreted to include one or more described items.Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended toinclude one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devicescan also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations.

Although the present disclosure includes certain embodiments, examplesand applications, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatthe present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof, including embodiments which donot provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein.Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to belimited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein, andmay be defined by claims as presented herein or as presented in thefuture.

1. A negative pressure wound therapy device comprising: a communicationscontroller configured to receive data from and transmit data to a remotecomputing device over a network; and a central controller configured to:keep a device clock associated with operation of the device, wherein thedevice clock is set to one of: network time obtained by thecommunications controller from the network or internal time associatedwith a time set during configuration of the device; and in responseto 1) the communications controller obtaining the network time and 2) adetermination that the device clock is set to the internal time,selectively set the device clock to the network time.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the central controller is configured to set the deviceclock to the network time in response to a determination that adeviation between the internal time and the network time satisfies athreshold.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the threshold isapproximately 10 minutes.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein thecommunications controller is configured to wirelessly receive data fromand transmit data to the remote computing device.
 5. The device of claim1, wherein the network comprises one of: a cellular network or a globalpositioning system (GPS) network.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein thecentral controller is further configured to periodically increment thedevice clock.
 7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a negativepressure source configured to provide negative pressure via a fluid flowpath connecting the negative pressure source to a wound covered by awound dressing, wherein the central controller is further configured tocause the negative pressure source to provide negative pressure to thewound via the fluid flow path.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein thecentral controller is further configured to: generate a recordcomprising one or more operational parameters associated with provisionof negative pressure to the wound and a current value of the deviceclock; and cause the communications controller to transmit the recordover the network to the remote computing device.
 9. (canceled)
 10. Acomputing system for monitoring and/or tracking a plurality of woundmonitoring and/or treatment devices, the system comprising: a networkinterface configured to be connected to a network and to communicatewith a wound monitoring and/or treatment device over the network; amemory configured to store data received from the wound monitoringand/or treatment device over the network; and a processor configured to:receive from the network interface a record transmitted by the woundmonitoring and/or treatment device over the network, the recordcomprising a first set of operational parameters associated withmonitoring and/or provision of treatment by the wound monitoring and/ortreatment device and a first timestamp indicating a time of obtaining atleast some operational parameters from the first set of operationalparameters; and in response to a determination that the first timestampdoes not comprise network time, synchronize the first timestamp with thenetwork time.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor isfurther configured to determine a time offset between an internal clockof the wound monitoring and/or treatment device and the network time andapply the offset to the first timestamp to synchronize the firsttimestamp with the network time.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein:the first timestamp comprises a time of an internal clock of the woundmonitoring and/or treatment device indicating when the at least someoperational parameters were obtained; and the record further comprises asecond timestamp indicating a time of the internal clock of the woundmonitoring and/or treatment device of when network time was acquired bythe wound monitoring and/or treatment device and a corresponding networktime value.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to compare the internal clock of the second timestamp withthe corresponding network time value to determine the time offset. 14.The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured toinsert synchronized first timestamp into the record.
 15. The system ofclaim 10, wherein: the record further comprises a second set ofoperational parameters associated with monitoring and/or provision oftreatment by the wound monitoring and/or treatment device and atimestamp indicating a time of obtaining at least some operationalparameters from the second set of operational parameters, the firsttimestamp and the timestamp associated with the second set ofoperational parameters being recorded at different times; and theprocessor is further configured to, in response to a determination thatthe timestamp associated with the second set of operational parameterscomprises network time, not synchronize the timestamp associated withthe second set of operational parameters.
 16. The system of claim 10,wherein the network comprises one of: a cellular network or a globalpositioning system (GPS) network.
 17. The system of claim 10, whereinthe wound monitoring and/or treatment device comprises a negativepressure wound therapy device.
 18. (canceled)
 19. A method of operatinga negative pressure wound therapy device, the method comprising: by acontroller of the negative pressure wound therapy device: maintaining adevice clock associated with operation of the device, wherein the deviceclock is set to one of: network time obtained from a network or internaltime associated with a time set during configuration of the device; andin response to 1) obtaining the network time and 2) determining that thedevice clock is set to the internal time, selectively setting the deviceclock to the network time.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein settingthe device clock to the network time is performed in response todetermining that a deviation between the internal time and the networktime satisfies a threshold.
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein thenegative pressure wound therapy device comprises a negative pressuresource configured to provide negative pressure via a fluid flow pathconnecting the negative pressure source to a wound covered by a wounddressing, and wherein the method further comprises, by the controller,causing the negative pressure source to provide negative pressure to thewound via the fluid flow path.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein themethod further comprises, by the controller: generating a recordcomprising one or more operational parameters associated with provisionof negative pressure to the wound and a current value of the deviceclock; and causing transmission of the record over the network to aremote computing device. 23.-24. (canceled)